The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

December 8, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Kids took pictures with Santa at the Holiday Youth Health Fair on Wednesday.

As we inch closer to the holidays, make sure you check out all of our cheery stories and happenings in the December issue of the magazine. Additionally, we have plenty of news from the week for you to catch up on, below.

Broad Street Market’s opening of its temporary structure is delayed until 2024 as Harrisburg has struggled to find contractors to complete plumbing and electrical work, our online story reported. The city has widened its search, using a public platform to receive bids on the construction.

Choral groups in the Harrisburg area are performing plenty of concerts this December. In our magazine story, read about all of the musical offerings this month and how they may provide an escape from the holiday bustle.

At a City Council meeting, Harrisburg residents expressed opposition to the city’s notice that those living in Riverfront Park must move, our online story reported. Mayor Wanda Williams, who was at the meeting, said that while the city does have to move them due to sanitation issues, they are working with local service providers to assist those in need.

Concert tickets are the perfect gift to give to a friend or yourself this holiday season. Our live music columnist has a roundup of the best shows coming to the area this month.

“Fallen Leaves” will show at Midtown Cinema this month, depicting a love story—we think. Our movie reviewer was not a big fan of the film. Read her thoughts, here.

Harrisburg created a webpage to share updates on the Broad Street Market rebuild and temporary structure construction, our online story reported.

A Holiday Youth Health Fair, held by state Rep. Patty Kim and Latino Connection, provided families with access to wellness resources, our online story reported. Several hundred people attended the fair at the Allison Hill Community Center on Wednesday.

The PA Dairymen’s Association announced that they will offer a new salted caramel milkshake flavor at the 2024 PA Farm Show. In our online story, find out where you can sample the new treat this month.

Sara Bozich has found all the best events taking place this weekend in Harrisburg. Find them all, here.

Ukrainians have come to central Pa. over the past year to escape war back home. In our magazine story, read about the challenges many have faced and about one organization working to help.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, sign up here!

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

New milkshake flavor added to PA Farm Show lineup, sampling chances announced

December 7, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

PA Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding (second from right) leads the team at Giant in announcing a new Farm Show milkshake flavor.

The 2024 PA Farm Show may be a month away, but you’ll have several opportunities for a tasty preview.

The PA Dairymen’s Association has announced four opportunities to sample their brand-new salted caramel milkshake, in partnership with the Giant Co.

“The 2024 PA Farm Show will be sweetened by the addition of our new, delicious salted caramel milkshake in celebration of the Giant Company’s 100^th anniversary,” said Dave Smith, executive director of the association.

The first pop-up event takes place on Friday at the Camp Hill Giant, 3301 Trindle Rd., starting at 10:30 a.m. with remarks by state Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, along with a milkshake toast. Milkshakes will be available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the first 100 milkshakes given out for free.

Subsequent pop-up are as follows, with free milkshakes also available to the first 100 people:

Saturday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lancaster Giant, 1360 Columbia Ave., Lancaster
Friday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m. to 5p.m., Hershey Giant, 1250 Cocoa Ave., Hershey
Saturday, Dec. 16, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Carlisle Giant, 950 Walnut Bottom Rd., Carlisle

“We are grateful to wonderful businesses like Giant who invest in our communities, in our dairy industry and in our nutritious, wholesome foods and beverages we produce on our farms for families,” Smith said. “We are thrilled to celebrate with milkshake fans starting at our pre-Farm Show pop-ups.”

The 2024 PA Farm Show opens on Friday, Jan. 5, with a food court-only opening at noon with free parking. The Farm Show itself opens Saturday, Jan. 6, and runs through Jan. 13.

For more information, visit www.padairymens.com and www.farmshow.pa.gov/pafarmshow/Pages/default.aspx

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

December 7, 2023 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find:

For something new: Merry Marketplace at Ever Grain Brewing is new this year, plus Winter Wonderland Tea at The Willows at Ashcombe Manor — both on Sunday Worth noting: Tonight: Holiday Evening Stroll in Camp Hill and The Maine at XL Live; HHA’s Candlelight House Tour on Sunday Things on my agenda this weekend: See above, plus Christmas tree decorating, and PSU Wrestling

For your weekend planning

Camp Hill’s Holiday Evening Stroll is tonight
HHA’s 50th annual Candlelight House Tour is Dec. 10
HU Presents The Maine on Dec. 7
Sara’s 5 Favorite Local Places to Buy Clothing
9 Foodie Trips Not to Miss | AAA Central Penn
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

Next week: December sip @ soma with Under the Bridge Cider Dec. 14-15!
The Best Farmers Markets around Harrisburg
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Holiday Health Fair offers community touch point to kids’ wellness resources

December 7, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Children took photos with Santa during the health fair.

Dozens of families gathered in the Allison Hill Community Center on Wednesday for a health-focused holiday event.

State Rep. Patty Kim (D-103) and Harrisburg-based Latino Connection hosted their first Holiday Youth Health Fair to provide access to health and community resources, while also having fun.

“We don’t talk about kids’ health enough,” said George Fernandez, CEO of Latino Connection and Color & Culture. “I want to drive kids into these health programs.”

The fair hosted around 50 vendors, including local mentorship and after school programs, as well as health and wellness providers and other organizations.

According to Fernandez, several hundred community members attended, getting a free meal, participating in crafts and activities, taking a picture with Santa and some winning raffle prizes. Attendees were also able to speak with healthcare representatives and receive information. Flu vaccinations were also available on site.

Holiday Youth Health Fair inside the Allison Hill Community Center

“I’m a big believer in a one-stop shop,” Kim said. “When the parents see what’s available, they may not need it now, but they know that it’s out there.”

Kim sees this event, which will take place annually, as a place for those who feel overwhelmed by the healthcare system to find that there are people who can help.

“To have people there to walk you through things can be so helpful,” she said.

For more information about Latino Connection, visit their website.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Harrisburg residents oppose city asking homeless to leave Riverfront Park; mayor addresses issue

December 5, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

City residents shared public comments at Harrisburg City Council meeting.

At a City Council meeting on Tuesday, residents shared concerns related to the ways that the city has recently addressed homelessness.

Harrisburg community members spoke during public comment about their opposition to the city’s notice that those living in Riverfront Park must move.

Around a week ago, the city notified the public that people would need to remove their belongings from the park, stating that there had been an increase in homeless encampments along the river. According to Communications Director Matt Maisel, the increase has caused a sanitation issue and noted that leaving belongings in the park violates city code.

The city has not yet set a deadline for when people must move by and is encouraging them to take advantage of several winter overnight shelters in the city, which opened on Dec. 1.

At the council meeting, residents shared frustrations with what they saw as the latest attempt to move occupants of encampments in the city in the past year.

“It’s disgusting, displacing the most vulnerable people in our community for the third time,” said Jonathan Dunkleburger, a community member. “It always seems to happen during the coldest months.”

In January, Harrisburg evicted occupants of a large, long-time encampment under the Mulberry Street Bridge, and dispersed people from an encampment along the Capital Area Greenbelt trail in June.

“We know the city doesn’t have a plan,” said Harrisburg resident Brandon Basom. “They keep acting like this is a new problem.”

However, earlier in the meeting, when asked about the issue by members of council, Mayor Wanda Williams said that the city is responding to the needs of the homeless.

“I know a lot of people are concerned about us moving them, but we have to,” she said. “We do try to take care of them. We are trying to work with them, but they have to want to work with us. We are doing everything we possibly can.”

One of the people who spoke during public comment shared that the group has received 150 signatures on a list of demands that was shared with council. The demands include asking the city to provide portable toilets, hand washing stations and disposal containers, among other resources to those living on the riverfront.

Council members and residents repeatedly asked if the city had a larger, long-term plan to address homelessness. According to Williams, the city is working with the Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness (CACH) on plans.

“We would like to know what she [Williams] plans to do for this year,” said resident Kelsey White.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Broad Street Market temporary structure delayed until 2024 as city widens search for contractors

December 4, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Temporary structure for market vendors

At least another month will go by before Harrisburg completes its temporary structure for displaced Broad Street Market vendors.

According to Matt Maisel, the city’s communications director, the temporary tent will not open until 2024 due to a lack of bids from contractors.

The city is constructing the structure, located in a grassy lot adjacent to the market, to house market vendors displaced by a July fire, which damaged the brick market building and caused it to close. However, the process has been delayed several times, as the city has struggled to find contractors to handle electrical and plumbing work.

Harrisburg previously issued a request for bids through Keystone Purchasing Network, a private platform that only includes certified contractors, hoping that would speed up the process. However, according to Maisel, the city only received one bid for plumbing, which was too high. The city has now decided to expand its reach and look for bids through a public platform, PennBid, Maisel said.

Using PennBid will require that the bidding is open for at least 10 days. However, with the upcoming holidays, the city anticipates extending the window through the end of the year, Maisel said.

Even if contractors were selected quickly, they would not be able to complete the work by the end of the year, Maisel said.

Additionally, the city is preparing to issue a request for proposals (RFP) to find an architect for the market’s brick building rebuild project.

Last week, Harrisburg published a webpage to share updates on the market rebuild and temporary structure construction.

In some positive market news, longtime brick building vendor Lil’s Pretzels opened last week in the market’s stone building, which remains open.

For information and updates on the Broad Street Market, click here.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

December 1, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams presented the city’s proposed 2024 budget at a council meeting

Our December issue of the magazine dropped this week and between our holiday-themed stories and artwork, you’ll be ready to start the Christmas countdown. Make sure to grab a copy after catching up on our local news from this week, below.

Bob’s Art Blog discusses the newest exhibit at The Millworks and lists must-visit local galleries around central PA for holiday shopping. Click here to read.

December is here, prompting our publisher to reflect on the year at TheBurg. Click here to read his publisher’s note.

Emily Drobnock has exceeded her longtime dream, having opened not only one, but three boutiques in the past several years, our magazine story reported. Knock Knock Boutique, which has locations in Elizabethtown and Hershey, and Bella Sera Boutique in Hershey, offer jewelry, clothing and gifts.

Harrisburg posted a notice urging people living in Riverfront Park to move their belongings, our reporting found. According to the city, the increase in homeless encampments in the park has created a sanitation issue, though encampment occupants say they have nowhere to go.

JoJo’s Barbershop is slated to open in downtown Harrisburg’s SoMa neighborhood, our online story reported. The shop will provide washes and cuts to men, women and children, as well as specialty services including coloring, undercuts and hair design.

Mayor Wanda Williams presented Harrisburg’s proposed 2024 budget at a City Council meeting on Tuesday, our online story reported. The $109.4 million proposed budget does not include a tax hike, but would raise residents’ monthly trash bills.

Notable December events kick off this weekend in Harrisburg with plenty of holiday-themed activities. For an even longer list of happenings, click here.

Pal’s Apparel, a Harrisburg menswear store, remained open after owner Moe Rammouni suddenly passed away in June, our magazine story reported. Rammouni’s family and friends are not only keeping the doors open, but are continuing to grow the business to honor the owner’s legacy.

Sara Bozich has a list of winter and holiday-themed activities for your weekend in the Harrisburg area. Find them all, here.

Seven Democrats are hoping to be the party’s nominee next year to represent the 10^th congressional district. In his column, our publisher shares how he believes that the winner will be whoever out-hustles the rest of the field.

Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania announced William Habacivch as its new executive director, our online story reported. Habacivch, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, replaces Jordan Ames, who left the position in August.

Ward of Health, a former Broad Street Market vendor, is opening a new restaurant location in downtown Harrisburg, our online story reported. The shop will offer plant-based breakfast and lunch options.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, sign up here!

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

Harrisburg creates webpage to share Broad Street Market updates

December 1, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Broad Street Market

Harrisburg has a new way to keep the community updated on the Broad Street Market, an action taken after questions and concerns by city residents.

A new webpage was created to provide status updates on both the market rebuild and the construction of a temporary market structure.

“This is an opportunity for us and the market to be more transparent with what is going on,” said Matt Maisel, communications director for the city. “We know people have questions.”

The webpage, hosted on the city’s website, includes background information on the market and the July fire, which heavily damaged the market’s brick building. There is also information about the temporary market tent, which will house vendors displaced by the fire.

The city had hoped to have the temporary market up and running this fall. However, the opening has been delayed several times due to various challenges, including, most recently, an inability to secure bids from contractors, Maisel said.

On the website, community members can also submit questions through a form and view a list of frequently asked questions about the market progress.

According to Maisel, any status updates will be added to the site, and he expects that there will be positive updates soon.

While the city doesn’t oversee the day-to-day operations of the market, which is handled by the nonprofit Broad Street Market Alliance, Harrisburg does own the buildings and is responsible for the rebuild process.

Creating the website for market updates was a joint decision by the market and city.

“Everyone deserves to have their questions and concerns addressed,” Maisel said.

Click here to visit the city’s Broad Street Market info page.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Ward of Health to bring plant-based bites to new downtown Harrisburg shop

December 1, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Ward of Health owner Craig Ward at his new location, slated to open this winter.

A local plant-based restaurant soon will bring its green menu to downtown Harrisburg.

Former Broad Street Market vendor Ward of Health announced that they will open a new brick-and-mortar location at 221 N. 2^nd Street this winter.

Owner Craig Ward opened his business in the market in 2020, offering vegan and vegetarian menu options. Over the years, he said, the business grew as more people became interested in eating healthier and experimenting with a plant-based lifestyle.

Ward recently closed his market stand, deciding it was time to expand.

“We’ve seen a lot of growth in people who are plant-based,” he said. “This will help us reach a lot more people.”

Ward of Health will now serve up many of the same meals at its new location on N. 2^nd Street, which will offer takeout and limited seating options.

The menu will feature Ward’s plant-based versions of crab cakes, mac ‘n cheese, kabobs and meatballs, among other items. The restaurant will be open for breakfast and lunch during the week and for late-night bites on the weekends.

The restaurant will also feature artwork by local artists, as Ward hopes to create a space where the community not only wants to dine at, but hang out at, he said.

Ward of Health is slated to open in late December or early January.

“I’m excited,” Ward said. “We want to serve the community.”

Additionally, Ward will provide food for Harrisburg-based Honeybush Raw Smoothie Bar’s new restaurant location at 23 S. 3^rd St, which will open around the same time. Owner Lhayana Dallas opened Honeybush in the Broad Street Market in the fall of 2021, serving fresh smoothies and acai bowls. Dallas was one of the many vendors in the market’s brick building impacted by the July fire, which caused the building to close.

Ward is hopeful that having Ward of Health and Honeybush both relocating downtown will help grow a culture of health and wellness in the city and bring added traffic downtown.

“We want to see downtown revitalized,” he said.

For more information, visit Ward of Health’s website or find them on Instagram at @wardofhealth.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

November 30, 2023 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find:

For something new: You’re going to regret it if you miss Stephen Sanchez in Harrisburg tonight Worth noting: Everything to get you in the holiday spirit 🎄 — light shows, shopping, theatre, and more! Things on my agenda this weekend: Some holiday fun, HBG Flea, football

For your weekend(ish) planning

Harrisburg University Presents Stephen Sanchez on Nov. 30
While you’re at it, enter to WIN tickets to see The Maine next week!
Yuletide by the Riverside: Elegant Progressions with Historic Harrisburg
Sara’s 5 Favorite Local Places to Buy Clothing
9 Foodie Trips Not to Miss | AAA Central Penn
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

Next Thursday: Camp Hill’s Holiday Evening Stroll
HHA’s 50th annual Candlelight House Tour is Dec. 10
HU Presents The Maine on Dec. 7
Save the date: December sip @ soma with Under the Bridge Cider Dec. 14-15!
The Best Farmers Markets around Harrisburg
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

Thursday

- HU Presents Stephen Sanchez at XL Live
- Pennsylvania Christmas + Gift Show 2023 (save $3 on tickets with code: SBEVENTS)
- “Health and Wellness Chat” Do hormones play a part in your health, weight and wellness? at Absolute Pilates
- UNPLUGGED Thursdays at The Beerded Goat
- 2023 Carlisle Making Spirits Bright Holiday Parade
- Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé at Midtown Cinema
- Sarah Brightman: A Christmas Symphony at Hershey Theatre
- Hersheypark Christmas Candy Lane
- The Christmas Tree Showcase at Hershey Gardens
- Village of Lights at Historic Acres of Hershey
- Christmas Spirit Light Show
- Christmas at Fort Hunter
- A Christmas Carol at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
- Who’s Holiday! at Open Stage

Friday

- Botox Bubbly and Beauty at Polished Salon, Spa & Wellness
- Pennsylvania Christmas + Gift Show 2023 (save $3 on tickets with code: SBEVENTS)
- Girls Night Out at the PA Christmas + Gift Show
- Yuletide by the Riverside: Elegant Progressions with Historic Harrisburg
- Jazz is Dead at XL Live
- Shifting Forms Exhibit Tour & Artist Discussion at Susquehanna Art Musuem
- Firkin Friday @ The Mad Moose Tavern
- Emily’s ToyBox at Lovedraft’s Brewing Co. – ALL AGE EVENT!
- Judy Collins at Whitaker Center
- “Black Nativity” by Langston Hughes: A Gospel Christmas Musical Experience at West Shore Theatre
- Spaces and Faces – Fine Art Collage by Katherine Horst – Artist Reception at Lebanon Picture Frame & Fine Art Gallery
- Christmas in the Park 2023 in Lititz Springs Park
- Christmas Spirit Light Show
- Hersheypark Christmas Candy Lane
- The Christmas Tree Showcase at Hershey Gardens
- Village of Lights at Historic Acres of Hershey
- Christmas at Fort Hunter
- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at The Fulton Theatre
- The 2023 Christmas Show: The First Noel at American Music Theatre
- Yuletide at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
- Who’s Holiday! at Open Stage
- A Christmas Carol at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
- Gilbert & Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore at Gamut Theatre Group
- Latin Fuzion Fridayz at Level 2
- Nonpoint Band at HMAC

Saturday

- HBG Flea – December 2023 Holiday Market at Strawberry Square
- Burn 30 Pilates Yoga Fusion at Zeroday Brewing
- Yuletide by the Riverside: Elegant Progressions with Historic Harrisburg
- City of Harrisburg Winter Wonderland
- Holiday Magic at the Market at the West Shore Farmers Market
- Light Up Downtown Hershey – Holiday Celebration
- December Pop-Up Store with Calicutts Spice Co.
- Fluid Art Class with Ann Benton Yeager at The Millworks
- Pennsylvania Christmas + Gift Show 2023 (save $3 on tickets with code: SBEVENTS)
- Deck the Paws Fashion Show at the PA Christmas + Gift Show
- Market of Curiosities at Carlisle Expo Center
- Holly Jolly Jubilee in Carlisle
- Polar Express 3D & Pajama Parties at Whitaker Center
- Elf 20th Anniversary at Whitaker Center
- Spotus 20 Year Anniversary w/Jazz Holes and Campbell Sisters at the Maennerchor
- ULLR FEST!
- Speranza at Swatara Holiday Shop
- Lil Skies – World Rage Tour at XL Live
- “Black Nativity” by Langston Hughes: A Gospel Christmas Musical Experience at West Shore Theatre
- Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra Pops 2: A Rodgers & Hammerstein Celebration
- SIP and SHOP at CrossWinds Winery at Hershey
- Christmas Spirit Light Show
- Hersheypark Christmas Candy Lane
- The Christmas Tree Showcase at Hershey Gardens
- Crafty Christmas Creations at Hershey Gardens
- Winter Wreath Making Workshop at Hershey Gardens
- Village of Lights at Historic Acres of Hershey
- Christmas at Fort Hunter
- Who’s Holiday! at Open Stage
- A Christmas Carol at Open Stage
- Yuletide at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
- A Christmas Carol at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at The Fulton Theatre
- Gilbert & Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore at Gamut Theatre Group
- Ciroc Saturdays at Level 2
- Brewery Tours: York City Walking Tour
- Brewery Tours: Cruise York County
- Brewery Tours: Lancaster City Walking Tour
- The 2023 Christmas Show: The First Noel at American Music Theatre

Sunday

- The Harrisburg Record Riot! at Lovedraft’s Brewing Co.
- Pennsylvania Christmas + Gift Show 2023 (save $3 on tickets with code: SBEVENTS)
- “Black Nativity” by Langston Hughes: A Gospel Christmas Musical Experience at West Shore Theatre
- The Englewood Makers Market
- Holiday on the Farm at Speranza Animal Rescue
- Christmas Rides at Boiling Springs Children’s Lake
- Hummelstown Holiday Happenings 2023
- SIP and SHOP at CrossWinds Winery at Hershey
- Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra Pops 2: A Rodgers & Hammerstein Celebration
- Victorian Tea at Fort Hunter
- Yuletide at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
- Christmas Spirit Light Show
- Village of Lights at Historic Acres of Hershey
- Christmas at Fort Hunter
- Hersheypark Christmas Candy Lane
- The Christmas Tree Showcase at Hershey Gardens
- Crafty Christmas Creations at Hershey Gardens
- Winter Wreath Making Workshop at Hershey Gardens
- Who’s Holiday! at Open Stage
- A Christmas Carol at Open Stage
- Gilbert & Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore at Gamut Theatre Group
- A Christmas Carol at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at The Fulton Theatre
- The 2023 Christmas Show: The First Noel at American Music Theatre
- Drag Brunch Bingo at HMAC

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find:

For your weekend planning